The final word on Jack

[Jennifer and Jack]

I just spoke to the specialist today about Jack. From his Ultra sound he had done that shows inflamed bowel loops, to his lack of appetite, to his sometimes liquid poops. He has been diagnosed with IBS... They strongly feel that Jack has taken on the job of thinking he has to take care of me. They reminded me that that is how he became a working dog without training, He was able to tell when I was going to go into respiratory distress before I even could and he would alert me

 

HIs lab work they draw on him directly co relates to how sick I am. When I am doing well, his lab work is normal, when I am really struggling, the poor boys thyroid and cortisol levels act up. I would imagine more people might find that with their dogs too,  if they had lab work drawn on their dogs. I don't know, I spent thousands, well insurance did to discover this..

 

We are starting him on Pepcid AC 5mg daily and he will be getting some other standard medications. He is going to actually have a doggie colonoscopy because they need to biopsy his intestines... I have no idea what he is going to have to drink to clear himself out of even if that is how they do it but they can be the ones to give it to him, I have to almost suffocate him holding his mouth shut and massaging his neck to get him to swallow a beef liver heartworm pill.

 

I will hear back later today when that is scheduled... I think it is so sad and shows just how much our dogs are in tune with us, love us and need us.

 

It is sad to me that Jack took this job upon himself because I can't do anything about it.  I am thinking of maybe sending him back to daycare for a few days a week just so he can get away from me.. He already goes on play dates with my neighbor......

 

So hopefully the Pepcid and other medications will get Jack feeling better soon.

[Rhonda, Marabelle & Jeriki]

Thanks I will check it out for sure. Awesome,

Rhonda

[Rhonda, Marabelle & Jeriki]

we don't have that one in Canada we have pet secure but from what i can tell its the same company. So do I get the unlimited, including preventative at $78.00 a month or the gold no preventative and a 5000 dollar cap annually for $50.00 a month canadian

which one do you have?

Rhonda

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am glad Jack has a diagnosis and that it is relatively benign. Maybe you should try the Pepcid and daycare a while before putting Jack through more testing. Just my thoughts.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Those were my thoughts as well. I guess she scared me a little bit because she said she wanted to do a biopsy of the inflamed part of the bowel...

 

For now, getting the Pepcid into Jack has been my mission. She is going to call me back tomorrow... I will discuss waiting on further testing..

Thanks

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Jennifer, I'm so glad you got a final diagnosis. IBS isn't so bad. I know people who have it. With proper management you won't have to worry about him anymore.

 

As for his sympathy pains, there is no reason to feel bad. You should be proud of the speical bond you have with Jack and how smart he is that he is so in tune with your needs. Daycare sounds like a good plan, but also some training. Maybe reminding him that you are in charge and he doesn't have to be will alleviate things...

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

Jennifer I have IBS and stress is definitely a trigger. Also I believe that Jack is feeling sympathy I was down for the count yesterday with a migraine and Snickers would not leave the darkened bedroom. My DH had to practically drag him out for a walk and to eat. I think the Daycare is a really good idea. Jack is just a care bear lime Snicks they can't help it. 

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

Oh and the colonscopy is probably to make sure he doesn't have inflammatory bowels or celiac (can dogs get that?) I am flashing back to when all my stomach probs started I had every scopy they have and had to drink lots of yucky stuff hopefully the meds will control his symptoms. 

[Jennifer and Jack]

Jack has known inflammatory bowels, they proved that by ultrasound.  I hope I didn't come across in the wrong way, I AM THRILLED that Jack does not have anything life threatening. I am grateful beyond words.. I just feel bad about it because everyone in my real life worries about me, and I always have to put on my happy face and do the best I can for their sake, now I have to try to fake my dog out too!!!

[Jennifer and Jack]

That is a great idea... I have not done any serious training with him in a long time.... That is what I read too that if they know you are in charge they worry less

[Ginny Nightingale]

wow--isn't that something! He is special! I think the doggy daycare is a great idea--let him take a break from "work"! :) 

Just an unrelated thought--my vet has heartworm medicine as a liquid--it is cheaper and can get mixed in with food. Not sure if every vet has this though. 

[cheryl & oliver]

Jennifer, at least you know what is happening and now can try to do something to help him.  I think daycare is a great idea and I am sure he will love it...It is quite a remarkable thing that these dogs can sense and care for us like they do...Take care, hope you are doing well at this time...Cheryl

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thank you guys for all your very loving and kind responses, I feel like you are part of my extended family and really value your input and friendship.

 

I have made arrangements for Jack to get out of the house five days a week for two hours. He will be going to my neighbors house that has two dogs and a bunch of cats and a few kids.. He loves it there. In fact when I walk him he begs loudly hoping they will hear to go there as we walk by.

 

THis way I don't have to drive and pick him up for daycare, He prefers to be at her house then daycare anyway and it is just enough for him to play, exercise and come home when he wants.